HPP– New Jersey drug supply shows presence of a more dangerous substance than fentanyl, CDC reports
The CDC is raising concerns about the rise of carfentanil in the illegal drug market across the country, including New Jersey.
Carfentanil isn’t a new substance, but the agency issued a warning this month indicating that it has “reemerged in the U.S. drug supply.” It is said to be 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Carfentanil was initially designed as a tranquilizer for large animals. The administration stated, “Certain forms may be absorbed through the skin or unintentionally inhaled.”
Similar to other fentanyl analogues, it is available in various forms: powder, blotter paper, spray, tablets, and patches.
The CDC recently examined carfentanil-related deaths across the country from January 2021 to June 2024, with the latter half of that period still relying on preliminary data.
A total of 513 deaths were recorded during that period, with a concerning increase starting in July 2023. From January 2021 to June 2023, there were fewer than 30 deaths in the U.S. during each six months, as reported by the agency.
In the latter part of 2023, they noted a total of 175 deaths. Recent data from the agency indicates a concerning rise between January and June of 2024.
During the period from January 2023 to June 2024, fatalities were noted across 37 states. During that period, New Jersey and nearby Pennsylvania reported between one and nine fatalities, whereas New York experienced over 20.